The Fireball fleet was joined by the Merlin Rockets and Contenders at Brightlingsea S.C. on the 21st-22nd of June. 2 races were scheduled for Saturday and 3 for Sunday.
Saturday's racing started in 10-12 knots which dropped as the day went on. The unforgiving Brightlingsea tide also had a large part to play. After leading round the windward mark, Derian Scott and Andy Scott were eventually overhauled by reigning World Champions Matt Mee and Richard Wagstaff. On the final reach to the finish, a loose knot on Matt and Richard’s spinnaker sheet shook free allowing Derian and Andy to regain the lead which they held to the finish. Matt and Richard came in 2nd with Vince Horey and Rob Gardner 3rd. Matt has now been officially banned from touching the Spinnaker at any time!
In race 2 the breeze continued to drop resulting in some long downwind legs against the tide. After a couple of boats were sent home after failing to the black flag. It soon became a three way race between current National Champion Tom Jeffcoate sailing with Tim Parsons, Dave Wade and Ben McGrane, Matt and Richard. Eventually it was Dave and Ben who took the win, closely followed by Matt and Richard in 2nd with Tom and Tim 3rd.
Racing was abandoned on Sunday due to over 30 knots of breeze with shallow water resulting in dangerous conditions. This gave Matt and Richard the event from Derian and Andy in 2nd with Dave and Ben finishing 3rdoverall.
A big thank you from the Fireball fleet to Brightlingsea S.C. for some good racing on Saturday, a fantastic meal on Saturday evening and keeping the bar open until late.
| 1st | Matt Mee | Richard Wagstaff | |||
| 2nd | Derian Scott | Andy Scott | |||
| 3rd | Dave Wade | Ben McGrane | |||
| 4th | Vince Horey | Robert Gardiner | |||
| 5th | Tom Jeffcoate | Tim Parsons | |||
| 6th | Phil Popple | Gavin Tilson |
